Primarily aimed at replacing the Mirage III in French service, the Mirage F1 has been used in numerous conflicts by all operators. During the late seventies, the Mirage F1 competed with the General Dynamics F-16 for the "Sale of the Century", but lost at second place. At one point, the Mirage F1 was the most numerous type in NATO, next to the F-16 and F-5. The conventional design, with a complete empennage, is a departure from the staple of Delta Wing designs by Dassault. Despite the traditional layout, the Mirage F1 has some of the most graceful lines, found in the sky.

The F1C model is a multi-role variant of the earlier F1A ground-attack aircraft. Key capability is the F1C's all-weather operations mode. Air-to-air functionality has been added from the F1A with a light strike role. France's remaining Mirage F1C's were upgraded to either F1CR or F1CT standard.

Country of Origin:
France

First Flight:
12/23/66

Initial Service Date:
1973

No. Built:
740

No. In Service:
251 (approx.)

No. of Hardpoints:
5

Crew:
1

Power:

1 x SNECMA Atar 9K-50 afterburning turbojet at 13,240 lbf

Weapons:

The most lethal weapon which can be carried by the Mirage F1 is the Aerospatiale AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missile. Two Exocets were launched by Iraqi Mirage F1's at the USS Stark on 5/17/87. Alternatively, up to two AS30L air-to-ground missiles can be carried on under-wing hard-points. 2 Matra Super 530 missiles and 2 Matra Magic or AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles can also be carried for self-defense. The Mirage F1 carries 2 DEFA 553 30mm canons, internally, with 150 rounds per gun. 14,000lbs of bombs can be carried in lieu of missiles.